The woodchuck is a relative of the squirrel, chipmunk and prairie dog and is considered a “marmot”. A marmot is defined as…are native to North America. Our population growth and theirs has gone hand in hand. Many experts believe that the success of the woodchuck can be linked to the growth of our farms and neighborhoods that, as a consequence of their creation, have created more of the habitat conditions that are very much enjoyed by the woodchuck, lest we forget your garden plants are quite attractive to woodchucks, too! In fact, when North America was first settled woodchucks were considered a rare sight!